Charles Barkley is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players recent generations have seen. One of the NBA’s most dominant rebounders, Sir Charles, now uses his insights into the game in the role of an analyst. He works for TNT on Inside the NBA and has even written several books on various topics. Out of his varied interests, one is baseball – Barkley keeps up with the current MLB season and its players. His favorite team is, of course, the Philadelphia Phillies.

The 2023 season is in full swing, but some teams have faced unexpected losses. They’ve ranged from losing out to other teams or losing players to injuries. Baseball fans have reacted strongly to some of these upsets, and one of these fans is the former NBA star.

Charles Barkley is rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies as usual

When Barkley was starting out in the NBA, the first team he played for was the Philadelphia 76ers. Since then, he has developed a great love for the city, including its baseball team. Even though the former athlete is an Alabama native, he supports the Phillies and closely follows their trajectory.

“My Phillies are struggling right now, my boy Rhys Hoskins is out, he tore his ACL, Bryce Harper is out. So we getting in a hole – because the Braves are for real,” Barkley said on his podcast with Ernie Johnson and Pedro Martinez, called The Steam Room.

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Notably, Hoskins suffered a non-contact injury at the start of the season when he dropped to the ground in pain during a game. Harper is recovering from the Tommy John surgery he had during the offseason after injuring his elbow last year. It’s undoubtedly a tough time for the Phillies, but they’re giving it their all!

Barkley gives an unfiltered opinion on the Washington Nationals

In the same podcast episode, Barkley went on to discuss the New York Mets as well and how they could be a threat even if they’re struggling right now. According to Sir Charles, the New York team is missing Justin Verlander, who is currently on the injured list due to muscle strain. Barkley also took a dig at the Washington Nationals and said how the Phillies will always be a better team.

“The Mets are for real – they missing Verlander. The best thing my Phillies got going for ’em is the Washington Nationals – we’re gonna always be better than them!” Barkley said.

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Only time will tell what the 2023 season holds for both teams!